The purpose of this study is to determine whether daily consumption of cranberry juice lessens the symptoms and prevents the recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study will also determine whether drinking cranberry juice for 6 months selects for less virulent bacteria in the rectal, vaginal, and urethral areas.

Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to consume either 8 ounces of cranberry juice or placebo juice twice a day for 6 months. Participants will have follow-up visits at 3 and 6 months, and whenever they experience a symptomatic episode. Urine, vaginal and rectal specimens will be taken at each visit to test for the presence of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Participants will complete a questionnaire at study entry, Day 3, Weeks 1 and 2, and monthly thereafter or whenever there is a recurrence of symptoms.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 40 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Culture-confirmed urinary tract infection at study start

Exclusion Criteria:

Other chronic disease

Antibiotics within 48 hours prior to study start

Hospitalization for any reason within 2 weeks prior to study start

Stones in urinary tract

Plans to leave Ann Arbor within 6 months after study start

Allergy to cranberry or cranberry compounds

Pregnancy

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00093054